Abstract: A printing media feed and retaining apparatus particularly useful in a computer driven thermal ink jet printer/plotter which has a plurality of pinch rollers (20) mounted on a single pinch roller support member (25). One or more support members (25) are positioned adjacent a platen roller (10) in proximity to the print path. The pinch rollers (20) are retracted away from the platen roller for removing the print medium and are supported such that they are self centering and track without skewing or damaging the printing medium without the use of precision parts or mounting techniques.

Abstract: A disposable sterile sleeve is provided which is removably attachable to a video camera of an arthroscope. The sleeve comprises a flexible elongate tubular shroud and a rigid annular mounting collar. The shroud is open ended with the collar rotatably attached to one open end by a connector member providing independent rotation of the collar relative to the shroud. A pull tab is attached to the opposite open end of the shroud to facilitate extension of the shroud over the camera. The sleeve may be compacted for storage prior to use by tightly scrunching the shroud together, thereby folding it onto itself. To attach the sleeve to the camera, the video camera is inserted through the compacted shroud until it engages the collar. A male thread provided on the camera is threaded into a female thread provided on the collar and the shroud is then extended over the camera by pulling on the tab to draw out the folds in the shroud.

Abstract: A method is provided for assembling an arthroscopic probe which includes bending a linear image-transmitting optical fiber about a heated pivot point so that the distal end of the fiber is oblique to the proximal end. A lens is then attached to the distal face of the image-transmitting optical fiber by means of an adhesive and the resulting image path is positioned in a hollow needle with the lens exposed at the distal end and the optical fiber exposed at the proximal end. An illuminating optical fiber is also positioned in the needle adjacent the image path and the two are anchored therein by a curable filler material. Finally, the needle is proximally mounted in a base such that the proximal faces of the image-transmitting and illuminating optical fibers are exposed.

Abstract: A security screen assembly comprises a screen of mesh material with an optical path formed from at least one optical fiber integrally interwoven with the screen material in a generally serpentine path. A light source or transmitter is coupled to the first end of the optical path while a suitable light detector is coupled to detect light emitted from the second end of the optical path. An interface unit connects the screen to a remote alarm control unit for activating an alarm if the detected light signal falls below a predetermined intensity.